Resourcing This Plan

The Community Strategic Plan outlines the communities long term vision and aspirations and is the highest-level strategic plan for NSW Councils. This plan details the level of importance that the community places on a range of services and is used to inform Council’s priorities across the services that it is responsible for delivering.

The Delivery Program and Annual Operational Plan sets out the • functions that Council is required to undertake, • the services that Council has agreed to provide to residents and ratepayers • the strategic initiatives that Council is seeking to deliver in order to progress towards meeting the strategic objectives in the Community Strategic Plan. A Resourcing Strategy is developed, prioritising those functions that Council is required to undertake, and clearly articulating how Council will resource what it is seeking to achieve.

The Resourcing Strategy consists of 3 components: 1. Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033 (LTFP) - The LTFP captures the financial implications of functions that Council is required to undertake, maintenance and renewal of Council’s extensive infrastructure assets, and delivery of the services and strategic objectives proposed in the Delivery Program.

2. Workforce Management Strategy 2023-2026 – Four-year strategy to document Council’s workforce capacity and capability to achieve Council’s strategic goals and objectives.

3. Asset Management Strategy 2023-2026 – Planning for the sustainability of new and existing assets such as roads, water and sewerage systems, drains, bridges, footpaths, buildings, recreational facilities, parks, and gardens needs to identify assets that are critical to the council’s operations with a risk management strategy for each of these.

Federation Council Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2022/23 – 2025/26

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RESOURCING THIS PLAN

As part of the process of reviewing the CSP and each of the planning documents, Council will engage with the community and discuss any financial implications that need to take into account such as: • Are the strategies of the Delivery Program financially achievable? • How much is the community willing to pay to achieve these objectives? • Are there other sources of revenue? • What are the priorities? Key messages arising from these plans and strategies include:

• A Special Rate Variation from July 2023 will enable Council to address community concerns relating to deteriorating infrastructure, in particular the extensive road network. • Average residential rates in the Federation Council are the fifth lowest of all NSW large rural councils (42 councils in total) • Significant new community assets constructed since merger, including the Corowa Aquatic Centre, Urana Aquatic Leisure Centre, and All Abilities

Playground in Mulwala, have been factored into the modelling • Planning is underway to address water and sewer needs in serviced communities • Improved asset management practices will ensure that funds invested in assets are used most effectively • There are opportunities that Council can harness to address the challenges of an ageing workforce and skills gaps in key areas • Investment in Council staff capability will ensure they are better able to deliver on legislative responsibilities and the priorities contained in the Delivery

Program

There are alternate scenarios for a lesser Special Rate Variation. These would require a reduction in current service levels.

Further information can be obtained within each of the above draft documents, which are currently on public exhibition.

Federation Council Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2022/23 – 2025/26

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